Essentials for Easy Outdoor Entertaining
It’s springtime, and that means the return of outdoor entertaining. Whether you are hosting a Mother’s Day gathering or an impromptu cookout at your Atwell home, here are some essentials for easy, breezy entertaining this season.
Create a low-fuss menu.
Keep the five-star gourmet spread for another time, and instead go with tried-and-true favorites like burgers and hot dogs. Prepare toppings in advance, and place on covered trays or bowls that can seamlessly go from fridge to picnic table. How much to prepare? A good rule of thumb is 1.5 servings of the main course, and about 1.5 cups of side dishes per adult.
Get your guests in the action with self-serve, do-it-yourself spreads. Consider a taco bar with all the fixings. Hosting vegetarians? Try a loaded baked potato and salad bar. Make it even easier by inviting guests to contribute a favorite topping.
For dessert, break out a variety of frozen ice-cream bars and popsicles – the ultimate in no-fuss fun!
Stir up something special.
You can never go wrong with the traditional iced tub of bottled drinks, but why not step up your refreshments with something unique and fun that is still easy? Let your guests help themselves to Boozy Watermelon Mint Lemonade in icy pitchers (replace the alcohol with water for a refreshing mocktail). Ballpark serving size: a 2.5-gallon pitcher of drinks will serve around 25 guests.
Get creative with seating.
Atwell’s enticing backyards make the perfect canvas for your outdoor party. Maximize your space by placing blankets, ottomans, bean bag chairs or oversized pillows around the yard.
If you are short of seating, don’t be shy to make your party a BYOC (bring your own chair)!
Add in some fun.
The young and young-at-heart alike will enjoy a little friendly competition with favorite yard games. Celebrating Mother’s Day? Set out rocks or wooden stakes and paint supplies to create handmade garden signs. Don’t forget to add some ambience with a curated Spotify playlist especially for mom. Let your guests capture the fun with a few inexpensive disposable cameras placed around your tables.
Make clean-up easy.
When it’s time to call it a day, set out containers for guests to take home leftovers. And be sure to place trash and recycle cans within easy reach for any remaining clean up.
With their inviting outdoor living areas and backyards, Atwell homes make outdoor entertaining a breeze this spring.
Want to live in a new home that makes outdoor entertaining easy? Contact an Atwell New Home Specialist at (951) 458-6155 today.
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